Ecuador



 

Tailor-made tours

Quito and surroundings
The capital of Ecuador has a setting that few cities can match. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Colonial architects built formidable temples, monasteries and mansions, creating an urban jewel designated by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site. A stay in Quito must include a visit to the Colonial section, the old and charming city with 400 years of Spanish heritage. Also, visit the Middle of the World, the very centre of the earth, at latitude 0°. 1/2 day or full day tours.


Otavalo
To the north of Quito is one of the most popular destinations in Ecuador: a magical land of lakes, snow-capped mountains and terraced farmland. For centuries, regional markets have played an important role in Indian life, providing regular gathering places for trade and socialising. The Otavalo Indian market dates back to pre-Inca times and is famous for its textiles woven on back-strap and shuttle looms. 1 day to 3 day programmes.


Amazon rainforest lodges
Ecuador is one of the easiest and best places to visit the Amazon. A short 45 minute flight from Quito takes you to the heart of the Amazon head-waters. From the frontier oil town of Coca, you will be taken by motorised dug-out canoe to one of a selection of lodges set amongst pristine rainforest.


Andes cloud forest lodges
The steep-sided slopes of the Andes have their own unique ecosystem. The dense moisture-laden forest is home to hundreds of colourful birds such as the Cock-of-the-Rock and Plate-billed Mountain Toucan, and unique plants such as orchids. The best way to experience this natural habitat is staying at one of the following eco-lodges.



Haciendas
Many of the haciendas date back to the 16th century, but today, in the Ecuadorian haciendas, modern technology lives side by side in harmony with traditional organic farming techniques. Experience the rich Ecuadorian folklore and traditional cuisine. Spend time with Ecuadorian families, the owners of beautiful haciendas, which are located on historic sites with an impressive display of country architecture, furniture and colonial art.


Along the Avenue of the Volcanoes
This route is surrounded by snow capped summits and the mystical beauty that, in times past, nourished the mythology of early cultures and later provided an incentive for the conquering Spanish to settle here. Brooks and rivers run down from the mountains, past small villages of adobe houses and terraced farmlands. Full day to 2 day tours.


"Chiva Express" train tours
To see the country a different way, board the exclusive and unique "Chiva Express", to enjoy a leisurely and colourful ride along the original railroad descending from the Andes to the coast. 2 day to 4 day programmes.



Day of nature
Nature lovers and bird watchers will fully enjoy these short one-day outings departing from Quito, to the protected cloud forests of Mindo, Papallacta Pass and Pasochoa Andean forest. 1 day programmes.



Cuenca
Ecuador’s most beautiful city, Cuenca, is located at an altitude of 2,550 metres (7,650 feet) above sea level. It is surrounded by hills to the north and to the south, and has the placid atmosphere of a small city; both deeply religious and artistic. The beauty of its landscape combined with the harmony between old and modern architecture, has prompted UNESCO to name Ecuador’s third largest city, Cuenca, a World Cultural Heritage Site. Cuenca’s cobblestone streets, graceful balconies, blossoming gardens and religious art treasures invite you to visit it on foot and at a leisurely pace. Cuenca’s handicrafts are outstanding in variety, colour and quality. Additional excursions surrounding Cuenca include the impressive Cajas Lake District, the subtropical valleys of Paute, Gualaceo and Yunguilla, plus the legendary Inca ruins of Ingapirca. Full day to four day programmes.


Birdwatching
A recent study by Conservation International has named Ecuador as one of the 17 mega-diverse countries in the world. Ecuador currently holds about 1600 known species in the continental area plus 38 more which are endemic to the Galapagos Islands. During the last decade, nearly 200 new species of birds have been added to Ecuador’s list. Ecuador is one of the richest countries in avifauna on earth, with 15% of the world’s bird species! They are distributed in Ecuador’s four geographical regions: the Coastal Tropical Lowlands, the Andean Highlands (with its Humid Cloud Forests), the Amazon Rain Forest, and the Galapagos Archipelago. Without any doubt, Ecuador is one of the premiere destinations for birding in the world.


Spas of Ecuador
“Spas of Ecuador” programmes are an excellent extension before or after your Ecuadorian adventure. Whether you explore the Galapagos, the Andean highlands or the Amazonian rain forest; a spa extension will complement your journey, leaving you with lasting memories of Ecuadorian adventure and restoration.



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